Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > April > 23 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBibby sounds off, then doesn’t show up
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Boston — Even if fans here are, as Mike Bibby indelicately phrased it, “bandwagon jumpers,” it’s a mighty snazzy wagon they’ve boarded. And if Bibby’s intent was, as Doc Rivers suggested, to brand himself “a villain,” it would be better for his team if he turned back into an actual player.
This is how bad it got: The crowd at TD Banknorth Garden was actually calling for the visiting point guard to be reinserted into the game with 11 minutes remaining. “Where is Bibby?” came the chant, and everyone knew the answer. He was seated on the bench, chased out of the game for the second time in four nights by young Rajon Rondo, deemed less essential by Mike Woodson for much of Game 2 than rookie Acie Law IV.
As expected, Bibby was panned in Boston. The way he’s playing, he might well get jeered by Hawks fans, assuming there are any left, at Philips Arena this weekend.
Bibby had two baskets and one assist in Game 1, two baskets and one assist in Game 2. If you’re going to challenge an entire opposing city on an off-day, you’d better be prepared to Step Up. Both figuratively and literally, Bibby sat down. He was spelled by the seldom-seen Law, who scored as many hoops in 21 minutes as Bibby has in the series.
“I’m not worried about [the Boston crowd],” Bibby said afterward. “I didn’t make anything happen for my team again.”
And maybe it doesn’t matter what Bibby does, or doesn’t do. Maybe the Celtics are going to sweep anyway. But the Hawks had no chance in two games here because their most seasoned player failed to light the way. He hasn’t been able to guard his counterpart — “Rondo’s better!” chanted the crowd Wednesday night — and he has given Boston no worries at the other end.
The pregame atmosphere had been comical. Asked to clarify his remarks, Bibby chose instead to respond to Celtics center Kendrick Perkins, who’d responded to Bibby by noting that the Hawks guard had missed eight of 10 shots in Game 1.
Said Bibby: “I don’t know where he got this tough streak from. His stat line was worse than mine. Anybody else, I might take a little [bit differently]. But for him not to show anything, it kind of upsets me.”
The assembled media dutifully rushed across the hall to the Celtics locker room, where Perkins was informed of Bibby’s latest salvo.
“I got no comment,” Perkins said. “I’m trying to win a game … I’m still going to go to sleep tonight. It doesn’t bother me either way … I’m not worried about him. Obviously he’s worried about what’s going on over here.”
After the game, Bibby spoke again of Perkins (who scored, it should be noted, as many Game 2 baskets as Bibby and shot a better percentage): “I thought he tried to hit me a couple of times, but I didn’t really feel it.”
In a series that promised little and has delivered less, this is what passes for drama. The Celtics have outscored the Hawks in all eight quarters and have looked every bit like the NBA’s best team. The Hawks, meanwhile, are making a case for themselves as the most underwhelming playoff qualifier ever.
“They hit us physically,” Woodson said. “They set us back tonight … We just didn’t move the ball again … If we call a play, we’ve got to attempt to execute it.”
That’s a failure of everyone, the point guard most of all. “I try to make things easy for my team,” said Bibby, who succeeded only in making things harder for everyone, himself most of all.
As for those bandwagon jumpers, he offered this: “They know who they are. If they took offense, they must be part of it.”
One Garden patron — perhaps a come-lately, perhaps not — seemed to offer the strongest rebuttal. He held up a sign that read: “Hey, Bibby! At least we have fans.”
Permalink | Comments (86) | Categories: Hawks/NBA
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Juice
April 23, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
This is not the Falcons blog. My bad.
By ItsMeMann
April 23, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
Please cut or trade Marvin Williams period. He is a bust.
By Whopper Dawg
April 23, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
Bibby was the latest of the incredible wrong moves by Hawk GM, fire the coach and GM now, right now. Don’t wait. Now.
By Steven Lefkoff
April 23, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this
Let me start by saying this:
I sure do hope the Atlanta fans show up for these two games.
That said, I’m not sure they will. Living in Atlanta all my life, I’ve started calling the notoriously no-show Atlanta fans “smart”…not whatever the national media has called them. Why do I say that?
Fans here are top class when it comes to respecting their teams. However, they refuse to support losing teams. Regardless of whether the fans blame the players, coach, or upper management, fans in Atlanta know when their teams are not playing up to expectations.
That’s right, expectations.
For the Braves, expectations went from just making the playoffs (early 90’s the Fulton County stands were full…always) to making it far in the playoffs (empty seats in 1st round series at Turner Field). Once the Braves became an established NL powerhouse, Atlanta fans expected that same dominance in the playoffs. As a result, they wouldn’t go to games until the team reached their, albeit lofty, expectations.
The Falcons sold out every game for the past few years because the fans had expectations of getting to the playoffs. No one really thought the Falcons would win the Super Bowl, but they went to all the games because they expected the team to at least make the playoffs (admittedly, having only 8 home games affects attendance). In addition, the Falcons quickly went from a cellar team to a playoff contender - a speedy turnaround.
The Thrashers…well, no one really cares about the Thrashers, but they do when they’re winning. The T-birds had no expectations, and that’s why so many people got into them last year - they were a huge surprise. This year, their expectations went up…the team went down…and fan support sank as well.
That brings us to the Hawks. The Hawks have been in the cellar for many years in a row. They’ve messed up on drafts, passed up trades, and simply stunk. The fans, as a result, stopped attending games. What was the point? When you went - they p** you off. Over the past couple of years, however, they’ve made slight changes to try and change their future. They signed Joe Johnson, they drafted Al Horford & company, and traded for Mike Bibby. However, the Atlanta fans know the Hawks should be better. They should be winning more. They should have better players. They should have competent owners. They should have been in the playoffs already.
Hawks fans know 4 or 5 years of rebuilding is too long in the NBA, where more than 50% of the teams make the playoffs every year. That rebuilding period is especially long when you consider a) how weak the East is, and b) they’re only the 8th seed this year - playing the best NBA East team in years. As a result, this season has been met with mixed feelings by most Hawks fans. Are they pleased the Hawks finally made the playoffs? Are they disappointed the Hawks haven’t played to their potential? Are they indifferent because they think the Hawks will get swept by the Celtics? Are they p** off because Woodson may get an extension (Has to be highly unlikely)? Is it some combination of all of these feelings or could it be something else? In addition, if the Braves can go from worst to first in one year, the Falcons can get to the NFC Championship game a year after being under .500, and the Thrashers can make the playoffs, why has it taken the Hawks 9 years to finally accomplish anything?
Even though the Hawks have finally made the playoffs, something about this season just hasn’t been right. Maybe it’s because the team didn’t perform to the fans’ expectations. If the team has met expectations, Philips is gonna be one rowdy scene on Saturday night. If not, better luck next year.
By steven
April 23, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this
Sorry for that tirade, I just got going and couldn’t stop.
By Don
April 23, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
NO NO NO. Do not cut Marvin Williams! According to our General Manager who is a true legend in his own mind, Marvin Williams is far superior to Chris Paul. After all Chris Paul is a MVP candidate and just scored 30 points and many assists during his two playoff games. But you know, Billy is so smart, why he even traded away this years draft pick in the Boris for Joe Johnson deal. WOW, I am truly impressed! My prediction is on target so far, 2 games 2 blowouts. Now lets go for 3 for 3.
By gfed2008
April 23, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
First off…Marvin Williams isn’t a complete bust. He is the 3rd leading scorer on the Hawks. He will never be better than Chris Paul or Deron Williams would have been, but he is a legit 3rd option scorer.
Just because Bibby hasn’t played well doesn’t mean the trade was bad or anything…we lost S. Williams. What did that do? He got us into the playoffs by helping the Hawks go .500 since we got Bibby. He has sucked the last 2 nights out, but that doesn’t make him a wrong move. He got us here. We know we were going to get swept. We’ve got to make baby steps.
By ItsMeMann
April 24, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
Did Joe Johnson play tonite?
By nonwagon
April 24, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this
We played with no heart tonight it was really sad. I was so excited for game two and cheered them until the end. I hope the City of Atlanta will support this team. This is not our year to make noise in the playoffs but I will still be there Saturday and Monday screaming like a mad man! We are so blessed to have a great young team here and the future looks really good. A couple moves in the offseason and we are going to be a force next season. Atlanta is a band wagon town SL. When you don’t support your team in the playoffs that means you are not on the bandwagon and only jump on when its hot (NLCS or WS). There is no reason there should be more fans for the visiting team at MLB playoff game! Look at the Falcons this year, everyone jumped off again. You support your team win or loose if not get your wagon wheels ready to roll to the next team. Lovem when there up, kick them when they are down.
By LaBrawn
April 24, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this
Great Post Steven Letkoff, couldn’t have said it better myself. While the Braves may not sell out every game, their winning ways have at least led to a devoted fan base whether or not they show up for every game. Atlanta fans are how we are now because we have been bad for so long. One championship, no consistency besides the braves, and no solid ownership besides turner and blank. Billy Knight is a joke as is Mike Woodson. I’ll at least give him credit for being man enough to shave his head even though he looks like a complete moron, but the man is a terrible coach. This team is going nowhere and I also agree with the getting rid of marvin sentiment. He is a pathetic excuse for a #2 pick and has not improved one bit since coming into the league. I tried to be confident about him but I no longer can. He doesn’t defend, only makes shots when they don’t matter, and travels whenever he attemps to post up. I don’t know what Billy Knight saw in him. People can continue to say that Marvin was always picked by the media to be the best player in that draft. When did the media become the reliable source on who to draft. These gm’s are paid handsomely to make the right decision, not to ensure that the media’s wishes are granted. It is pathetic that Knight gets even a small pass for this. I am as big of a hawk fan as you will find, but a sweep is becoming the best case scenario for me because it makes it more likely that is idiotic tandem of woodson and knight are relieved of their duties. Another pathetic showing. Good work Bradley for calling out Bibby too. I was hopeful he would come out with a vengeance but instead was outplayed once again by a guy who was picked 16 spots after the great Shelden Williams. This series will just further the horrendous status that the hawks have obtained over the years. Luckily I am in law school in New Orleans and can switch my fandom to the Hornets until new management is brought in. I really hope the fans that do show up boo the hell out of this team. I love horford and he will be the centerpiece of our franchise for awhile to come, but JJ failed to show up for the second straight game and should be called out as well. Hopefully we will get more columns like this over the weekend calling out Knight, Johnson, and the ownership. This has to STOP, Atlanta deserves better!
By Scott
April 24, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this
Nice Post LaBrawn, couldn’t agree more. Screw Billy Knight!
By Mello
April 24, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this
Hey LaBrawn, How can you agree with Bibby’s statement about Celtics fans being bandwagon jumpers yet still defend Steven’s post about Atlanta fans. Isn’t he essentially calling all Atlanta fans bandwagon jumpers? AS a fellow diehard Atlanta fan, I am offended by being described as such a “fairweather” fan. P.S. Go ‘Dawgs (2009 National Champs)
By Enough
April 24, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this
This little stint is really highlighting Woodsons lack of coaching skills. The Celts are taking away everything the Hawks do well and the Hawks have no counter. Its obvious that Woodson staunted the development of Law and in three years he hasn’t made Josh or Marvin better players. Marvin (Duck But t) is horrendous, gives nothing but an occasional once every quarter jumpshot. At least Chills is active. I think thats the hardest part about watching is that you can see that this team has talent, but no direction, no sense of toughness, or hunger. Joe passes up too many shots and has to split those doubles and dictate tempo, which is why some do not consider him a go to guy. Bibby looks injured and slow, but he’ll be okay. The lack of bench development is really glaring, the 7 to 8 players we use, mainly the starting five have no explosion in the second half of games. A seasoned coach and a couple of bigs could have this team in the top half of the East next year. The bigs do not have to be stars but a rebounder, some inside power would go a long way. Josh S should realize no one can stop him when he drives and they will let him hoist all the bricks from the outside he desires. I think West or Richardson could have provided sparks when the game was closer as well. ZaZa is a joke of a big man, plays like he is 6’5 instead of 6’11. Again if it seems like I am picking on Marvin and Woodson its because I am. Marvin is a joke and Woodson is a joke for giving him minutes he is not earning.
By LaBrawn
April 24, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this
Mello,
Please tell me where I agreed with Bibby’s comments. I think what he said was idiotic and put us in an even worse position to win. I am a diehard atlanta fan, uga alum, and even will root for tech if uga is out of it completely. I just love my city and its people so much that I want it to be successful in everything. I don’t agree with what bibby said in any way. And his performance makes it even more disgraceful. Either way, we can agree that we love ATL’s teams and just want them to compete and be successful which isn’t currently happening.
By Yonson
April 24, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this
LaBrawn, while I do agree with most of what you said, we shouldn’t boo our own players. You can only do so much with crappy coaching, and for the love of God, lets swap J Child’s and Marvin’s minutes.
Hopes for the off-season. Draft the hard working Sundiata Gaines.
By keepin it real
April 24, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this
Thought i’d leave a comment on the hawks tonight. I keep reading about expectations…and Steve I agree with you when it comes to Atlanta fans. Nobody in there right mind wants to go watch losers…everybody loves winners. But going into this season how many games were the Hawks expected to win? I myself figured that they would win at least 40 wins. That was before the good start at the first half of the season. I can’t recall anyone saying the Hawks would win over 40 plus games nontheless be a .500 team…not SI, not ESPN, not anyone on the sports talk stations around town. Then we make the trade for Bibby which at the time was seen as a good trade. I still can’t recall that many people saying that these Hawks would finish at .500 or above. So as bad as we feel right now you look back at the lackluster year these guys had and they finished 2 wins shy of 40 with 38….To me they met my expectation as bad as the number 38 looks with the talent that this team has.
As pathetic as the eastern conference is everybody figured that going into the season that if the Hawks could manage 40 wins they would be fighting for the 8th seed, not actually be in the playoffs. Who would have known at the beginning of the season that both Miami and the Bulls would be down this year? Nobody. This was not supposed to be the year the Hawks make the playoffs…that was supposed to be next year going forward to future seasons. So I know a lot of people are upset…im mad myself but lets be serious here. The Hawks did what few people thought they could do and thats get pretty close to 40 wins. Next years expectations should be higher with guys like Al, and Acie having a years worth of experience. We should expect this team to finish over .500 near 50+ wins. If that’s the case they should be a good contender in the playoffs next year. It will be hard though….I don’t think Miama and Chicago will have another down year like this past season.
By Zach
April 24, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this
While I agree that we are underachieving for the talent that we have, we are gradually getting better every season, which is a positive, and we are still the youngest team in the league. Only one team can win the NBA championship and the rest are gonna be viewed as underachievers, if we had a loyal fanbase, then the transition into becoming a solid playoff basketball team would much easier. Truth is there are not many fans who care about the Hawks and it shows at games and that attitude sometimes translates onto the court. I realize these guys are supposed to be professionals and are getting paid millions to perform regardless of who shows up and who doesn’t, but they are still human and things like that are going to affect them mentally. It is easy to criticize the team at home from the couch. True, we aren’t playing good ball, but the guys are trying and want to win. We are having out best season in 10 years and there is still not much fan support. Atlanta is a transplant city and there are a lot of northerns that live in the city now, people would just rather root for their home teams until there is a team that consistently shows its gonna be worth watching like Steven said, but that is a shame for the Hawks because it is only gonna hinder their development. Come out and support the Hawks and maybe we can steal a game from a team that only lost 16 of 82 regular season games. Let the team know you are there for them and I am sure they will reward you for it, maybe not in this series but in the near future. Knight has made some stupid moves, but hindsight is 20/20 and he has still assembled a team that has one of the top 4 or 5 starting 5’s in the Eastern Conference. We can’t go back and change the past, we can only look to the future. If we can land a coach that will run an up tempo offense and have our guys spread the floor and drive the basket more instead of settling for lazy jumpers and a coach that can actually utilize the teams strengths and keep these young guys focused on our offensive game plan then I think we can except an even greater improvement next season. We have a monster of a rookie named Horford, who has had a great rookie season and is only going to improve. Let’s look past this obviously over matched series (its not like the outcome should be that shocking) and hope that we make some positive moves in the offseason to continue our progression and hopefully the fan support will increase. At this point I would love it if we could at least say we have bandwagon jumpers.
By Cranklin
April 24, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this
While I agree that we are underachieving for the talent that we have, we are gradually getting better every season, which is a positive, and we are still the youngest team in the league. Only one team can win the NBA championship and the rest are gonna be viewed as underachievers, if we had a loyal fanbase, then the transition into becoming a solid playoff basketball team would much easier. Truth is there are not many fans who care about the Hawks and it shows at games and that attitude sometimes translates onto the court. I realize these guys are supposed to be professionals and are getting paid millions to perform regardless of who shows up and who doesn’t, but they are still human and things like that are going to affect them mentally. It is easy to criticize the team at home from the couch. True, we aren’t playing good ball, but the guys are trying and want to win. We are having out best season in 10 years and there is still not much fan support. Atlanta is a transplant city and there are a lot of northerns that live in the city now, people would just rather root for their home teams until there is a team that consistently shows its gonna be worth watching like Steven said, but that is a shame for the Hawks because it is only gonna hinder their development. Come out and support the Hawks and maybe we can steal a game from a team that only lost 16 of 82 regular season games. Let the team know you are there for them and I am sure they will reward you for it, maybe not in this series but in the near future. Knight has made some stupid moves, but hindsight is 20/20 and he has still assembled a team that has one of the top 4 or 5 starting 5’s in the Eastern Conference. We can’t go back and change the past, we can only look to the future. If we can land a coach that will run an up tempo offense and have our guys spread the floor and drive the basket more instead of settling for lazy jumpers and a coach that can actually utilize the teams strengths and keep these young guys focused on our offensive game plan then I think we can except an even greater improvement next season. We have a monster of a rookie named Horford, who has had a great rookie season and is only going to improve. Let’s look past this obviously over matched series (its not like the outcome should be that shocking) and hope that we make some positive moves in the offseason to continue our progression and hopefully the fan support will increase. At this point I would love it if we could at least say we have bandwagon jumpers.
By Cranklin
April 24, 2008 1:53 AM | Link to this
Enough, I agree with you totally about our coaching and our team in general. Woodson did not make any adjustments whatsoever. He doesn’t reward Childress’s effort enough and the reason we don’t have a bench is because they don’t get any minutes. Richardson and Law could turn into decent players with some playing time and we have a dead eye shooter in Salim who could provide good situational minutes. He is definitely the worst coach in the league.
I also agree a few big men who actually play like big men would change the makeup of this team dramatically. We have enough scoring threats and athletic wings, we need some more interior D and more guys that will hustle and do the dirty work.
With all that being said I still stand by the team and am happy that we were at least able to end the league’s longest playoff drought. As Keepin it Real said we have definitely surpassed the expectations that many predicted in the pre-season. Let’s keep having confidence in our guys.
By ej
April 24, 2008 1:55 AM | Link to this
boston sucked A@# big time last year and their stands were empty all the championships of years past did not field the garden. Now KG is here and everyone’s pretending they never left. Celtics fans are bandwagon jumpers. ( Admit it it’s ok)
By Kevin
April 24, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this
I told u the larks would choke in four games under the leadership of No One Bibby a jerk n coach is gone n say bye to GM…yes folks when u back into playoffs u back out like the mayor of atlanta!
By Jason
April 24, 2008 6:40 AM | Link to this
The Celtics won just 24 games last year, and still sold out 12 home games. Some bandwagon.
By David C
April 24, 2008 6:42 AM | Link to this
Mike Bibby needs to spin less time bashing boston fans and more time in practice so we dont end up getting freaken swept in this series please hawks! atleast win 1 game please!!
By dbrown3527
April 24, 2008 6:55 AM | Link to this
gfed2008, Marvin is only the third leading scorer by default. Don’t look at the stat line look at the games. Most of his points come from the free throw line; because he can’t create off the dribble, get to the hole with any authority or make a shot outside of his 18 ft comfort zone. For a guy that is only in his third year he moves around like a grizzly vet; we can’t seriously go into next season with him as a starter.
By Big Red
April 24, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this
Marvin Williams is a decent player but he is not ready to carry a franchise. He is only 22 and will get better so I don’t know why people keep saying we need to trade him. Now yall are saying the Bibby trade by the gm was a bad move. I don’t get it. I was the one saying he wasn’t any better than tyron lue the whole time but every body else was praising billy. Now yall are calling him a fool for making the move?
By C's Fan
April 24, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this
In that dreary 2006-2007 season, when the Celtics went 24- 58, they managed to average attendance of 16,900 (in 18,624-seat TD Banknorth Garden) despite losing 18 straight games at one point and losing All-Star forward Pierce to injury.
Bibby’s an idiot (so are you, EJ). The Celts averaged almost 17,000 in one of their worst seasons ever. And that’s what he calls a bandwagon? Take a look around your own arena before knocking some of the most loyal fans in basketball.
By foh
April 24, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this
jj has been quiet all year and now when the team plays its worst ball he speaks about maturity. news flash - jj just get your average in the next 2 games and see if it is any closer. that goes for the other starters.
By ZAZA
April 24, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this
only 2 more games to flop around like a dying fish and i can go to my gq photo shoot
By Techster
April 24, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this
What happened to all the “Bibby is a clutch playoff veteran with ice water in his veins” talk? This team backed it’s way into the playoffs with a losing record, but they did get in. So, what is needed once you’re in? Clutch play from players (preferably the ones making $14 million per year). Bibby has already proven to me that he is useless and cannot lead a team. Even if he plays well and the Hawks come back and win a couple games to make this a series, it’s already too late. Bibby had a chance to show the NBA and Atlanta fans what a player he is and all he did was run his mouth, pi$$ off the best team in the league, and get outplayed (not even close) by a relative unknown pointguard. This guy has been the missing link??? wtf?? I have never seen such incompetence by a GM and a coach in all my life. Bibby is obviously another re-tread scooping up as much money as he can in the fading years of his career. Even at the top of his game, he never delivered a championship to Sacramento, rather, he presided over one of the biggest chokes in NBA playoff history against the Lakers. But I don’t blame him for stealing the Hawks money, they offered to give it to him. I blame the moron Billy Knight, the clueless Coach Woody, and the oblivious and gutless Atlanta Spirit-Less group. If they don’t fire Billy and Woody next week after the Celtics 4 game scrimmage is over, I swear I am done with this team and will auction my fan rights to another organization on eBay. Life is just too short to wait for these boobs to humiliate the fans of Atlanta year after year. Further, if the browbeaten and humiliated fans of Atlanta don’t pony up big bucks to sell out Phillips and watch their team get throttled at home, I’ll bet you anything the organization and the media will say it’s the fans fault that they lost because “they didn’t get the support”. More people buying expensive tickets and $6 Cokes and hotdogs watching a team get dismembered is not the answer. Competent ownership, management, and coaching would be a better start.
By Needmorehorfords
April 24, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this
All I have to say is that if we had 5 Al Horfords out there, we would at the least be a competitive team, if not a winning team. Granted, he didn’t have a great night, but he showed heart, enthusiasm, and courage. He never backed down from Garnett. The same can’t be said of anyone else on the team. On another note, can anyone else see the difference between JJ and the other elite players in the league. The guy seems to move at half the speed that a Kobe, Carmello, Paul, Mcgrady, and the likes move at. The playoffs are a clear indication of the fact that JJ was a product of the system. He’ll never excel without a strong supporting cast and besides Horford, and sometimes Josh Smith, there is no one else on this team that you can depend to create offense on a consistent basis. There’s a reason we are the worst sports town in America!
By Techster
April 24, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this
Just one reason (of many) to fire BK:
POINTGUARDS:
THEM - Chris Paul & Deron Williams.
US - Mike “I’m yucking it up on the bench while my teammates are getting annihilated on the floor” Bibby & Pokey “did my check get deposited today?” Claxton
Fire BK & Woody !!
By Realist
April 24, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this
Michael Gearon Jr said on the radio after the Bibby trade that “all the pieces are now in place.”
If this is it, what a bright future the Hawks have ahead of them.
By Paul
April 24, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this
Even if Bibby hasn’t played well this series, it CERTAINLY was not a bad trade. We traded scrubs and a bad draft pick for him. We have gotten better with him. The problem is that it’s a bad matchup for him. He’s playing against one of the quickest points in the game that has the speed to defend him. We are just playing a really good team.
relax people…we need to get a new coach and make some roster adjustments (add a backup defensive center and maybe another bench shooter) and we will continue to grow…BUT WE NEED A NEW COACH..that is our main problem.
By Don
April 24, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
I know this has been beat to death, but watching Chris Paul light it up and lead N.O. this season, while watching Marvin Williams do virtually nothing, is such a stinging indictment of the Hawks passing on Paul. What we’re watching in N.O. would be the Hawks if we had taken Paul. Think about it: Other than him, the Hawks and Hornets talent is very similar. This may go down as the Sam Bowie/Michael Jordan draft blunder of this generation.
By chrismikayla
April 24, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
I agree Marvin looks lost out there. The good things about the pressure of the playoofs is that the gamers and non gamers are exposed. Law, Childress, Horford, and Johnson have come to play and have been poised. Bibby has just had a bad shooting time and one has to wonder if that hand is bothering him. Pachulia should not be in the NBA. I watched him repeatedly bullied out of rebound position last night by players shorter and lighter than him. Josh Smith plays like a runaway train with no direction. Marvin Williams has been awful and needs to go and GM needs to admit his mistake. If Bibby continues to struggle Law looked poised last night and I also believe Salim and Richardson can’t hurt. Here’s a novl idea: Since they struggle with half court offense why not run more plays through Horford? He is a better scorer than people think and is a good passer.
By Keepin it real
April 24, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
You can tell the people that know a little about sports compared to those who honestly have no idea. The only thing that they know about is winning and losing. Anybody thats played the game know that when JJ is on the floor that 7 times out of 10 he’s going to be doubled. His “partner in crime” Mike Bibby is supposed to be somebody that he can go to and knock down shots. That’s not happening this series. That being the case Boston is dropping three guys at him…not only that but with a deep bench they are staying fresh while JJ is having to play multiple guys, 9 times out of 10 its their best player…he’s running through screens, and then he’s asked to be the leading scoring when he’s being tripled team. If you think JJ is going to have a 30 pt game this series you better hope that Bibby is knocking down all of his shots and that Marvin is helping out. That’s the only way Joe is hitting his average.
I will say this like I said last night. I keep hearing people say that the Hawks shouldn’t be in the playoffs. When you look at the crappy eastern conference who else should be in? I don’t think any team below the Hawks would fair better as the 8 seed against the Celtics. I don’t know but one other team..possibly two that would give the Celtics a problem. I’d like our guys to be more competitive, yes….but with no experience, and lack of coaching it would be hard for our guys to compete with a team that easily has 3 all stars starting, and a bench that has another all star.
By Shawn
April 24, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
As a native Atlantan, I am totally embarrassed by the Hawks organization. We have replaced the Clippers as the laughingstock of the NBA. Don’t be surprised to see a half empty arena when the Celtics come to town. Who wants to pay expensive NBA ticket prices to go see the home team get destroyed? Zaza and M. Williams wouldn’t even get playing time on 90% of the other teams in the league, B.Knight and M. Woodson are incompetent, and The Atlanta Spirit is a total debacle. I will root for the home team but forgive me if I continue to keep my expectations pretty low.
By GT80
April 24, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
A few thoughts…
Don’t blame Marvin Williams for being taken #2 in the draft. Marvin is a decent player but no where near the talent that you should have had with the #2 pick. But it’s not his fault that BK took him.
This team is only slightly better constructed than it was 5 years ago. We still don’t have a point guard or a real #5.
It’s obvious that BK needs to be fired, just because…see #2.
It’s obvious that Woody needs to be fired. If the coach is saying “if we call a play we’ve got to attempt to execute it” then that tells me the coach has lost the team. The players don’t respect the coach enough to try and run plays he calls!!!!
The real question is, who is going to do the firing? We have an ownership group that is fighting amongst itself and is paralyzed. We as fans are being held hostage by this group and are being forced to endure the torture that is watching this franchise continue to spin it’s wheels.
By laughing
April 24, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
I am laughing at all of this BS about whether Boston fans are bandwagon jumpers, Hawks fans(?) don’t support their team, how many fans Boston averaged in a losing year, and on and on. If you ever played sports at the professional level (I have, have you?),you would realize how little it matters to the real players how many people are in the building, how loud they are, etc.. It’s about players (talent, brains, desire) and coaching…it’s not about spectators.
By robo
April 24, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
HEY BIBBY; JUST KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT AND PLAY. WE GOT YOU IN HOPES THAT WHEN WE REACHED THE PLAYOFFS YOU COULD PROVIDE LEADERSHIP AND RALLY THE GUYS TO A HIGHER LEVEL. AFTER TWO GAMES YOU HAVEN’T SHOWN US S**T. YOUR A BUST AND A RETREAD. LET LAW START!
By STRETCH
April 24, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
Paul, I agree with your comments. They(management) needs to get their act together and Woodson needs to be gone as soon as game 4 is done! I was watching ESPN’s PTI and they were clowning Atlanta fans for not supporting the teams.
This team can be a good team, just need to add some pieces. Folks, we are playing probably the best Eastern conference team since Jordan and Da Bulls, they are just that good! Either the fans show up and support a lowsy team or they dont show up because the fans are lowsy. Sad situation. ATLANTA…might just be the next SEATTLE.
By BostonLou
April 24, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
WHERE IS BIBBY???? WHERE IS BIBBY???? WHERE IS BIBBY????
Nice work last night.
How about this Atlanta. When the Celtics win by more than 25 on Saturday. We call off Game 4??
RONDO’S BETTER!!! RONDO’S BETTER!!! RONDO’S BETTER!!! RONDO’S BETTER!!! RONDO’S BETTER!!! RONDO’S BETTER!!!
By STRETCH
April 24, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Senario…package Josh Smith(selfish on the court) ZaZa(NOT atheletic) and Marvin(2nd round pick) for anything, anything!
By Mark Bradley
April 24, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
I have to say I’m surprised. I thought Bibby would have a big game. I didn’t think the Hawks would win, but I thought they’d put the Game 1 jitters behind them and play better. If anything, they were even worse in Game 2, which doesn’t augur well for Game 3.
By D.Ellis
April 24, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
Man i am die hard fan but some of these posts are stupid. Come on be serious. Is everyone mad because we aren’t winning????/ or is everyone mad becasue they are getting beat like they stole something?????
I agree Bibby should shut his mouth and play. However ACIE LAW SHOULD START. No that doesn’t mean the LAw is better, but Law matches up with Rondo better speed wise, and the Hawks have been setteling for jumpshots both games….tat they can’t hit….with Bibby missing his fair shair of jumpers fo shizzle!
Law provides the quick penetration and dish route to Horford/Smith. he can also kick out to our NUMBER #3 PICK SPOT UP SHOOTER ONLY M.Williams. gice LAW a chance. It can’t be any worse than waht we have gotten out of the PG spot to date.
However that won’t change the series. We aren’t losing becasue of Bibby. we are losing because we are getting handeld by a far more superior “TEAM” The way the Celtics run their offense and get mismatches is outstanding. They have maybe the best PF in the game. A spot up shooter that hits 3’s in Allen. An inside and outside force in Pierce, and a young fast PG that is probably playing his best basketball of his life..also becasue he has the vets listed above tat are showing him the way.
Look the only thing I’m disappointed in is the fact that we are getting handled like we are. Our Hawks are playing scrappy. They are playing tough …AT TIMES. Alot of the times they don’t seem to be backing down.
I mean I love my hawks..good or bad. Sometimes it looks like they lose their heart. That is what disappoints me. But it wold be grrat to see a big crowd at Phillips. it wold be great for our Hawks to give these guys a great game and see if they can pull one out at home…and most of all put a look on their own faces like they are enjoying their bst season in alomst a decade like they should be. START LAW…AND GO HAWKS!!!!!! CELTICS SUCK!!!!!!!!
By Zasasucks
April 24, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Congrats to Al Horford and Josh Smith for having a heartbeat last night. Those were the only 2 players for the Hawks who left it all on the floor. As for Marvin and Zasa, ship them out at the first opportunity. Zasa couldn’t be a starter for Norcross High School. Slow, non-athletic, weak, cry baby. How is this guy even in the NBA? Ship him overseas where he belongs. Marvin is a draft bust, one of many mistakes by Hawks mgt.
Lets hope the Hawks prepare for the future and bench Bibby for Law in the next game. Bibby is washed up and soft.
Horford, Smith- keep doing your thing and hopefully our sorry bunch of front office people can get some others to help out in years to come.
By Keith
April 24, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Note to Celtics Fans: Plenty of Game 3 tickets still available.
By dbrown3527
April 24, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
I don’t think anybody is expecting Marvin to carry a team, he can barley carry his own. But what I expect from the number 2 pick is someone that can at least understand what is expected of him on both ends of the court. For crying out loud Paul Peirce blew by him!!! We have to get rid of him before the potential label wears off.
By D.Ellis
April 24, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Boston Lou-Be careful…we are video taping your pre-game walk through and will use it to win……mmmmmmmm
By meatlake
April 24, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Gee, just imagine if they had had enough sense to have drafted Chris Paul over Marvin Williams (another small forward???). It’s very hard to be a fan when the people who are paid a lot of money to make these decisions on draft day and beyond consistently do such a crappy job…as far as last years draft goes, Hortford was the no brainer that Chris Paul should’ve been. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while. It gets redundant for the Hawks to pass over HOFers in almost every draft…Get ready, Celtics in 4…
A former fan who now lives in Dallas where they know how to run a pro team
By B-Man
April 24, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
Fellow fans… don’t forget that this is an improvement over where we’ve been. I’m a huge fan, but yet I’m not crazy…did any of you really think we were going to stop KG and Ray Allen’s best shot at finally winning a championship?? They’re gonna roll through everyone else just like they are doing our Hawks.
That being said, Woody still has much to learn. If he truly is calling plays and the team isnt listening, then they need to be benched. And if he can’t get their respect, then someone needs to go.
Let me attempt to coach these so called “professionals” again:
-When you don’t, run the offense through the post, start with Al, then JJ in the post, and sometimes JSmith or even Chills. Lets face it, JJ is a great scorer one on one, but not quick enough to beat the double or create a shot on a tough defender. They were smothering him. Any time the ball goes to Al in the post he either a) gets off a quality shot or b)someone is open to cut or shoot the jumper.
Zaza is awful and should not be on the team next year.
JSmith, stop shooting 3’s and drive the ball and dunk it on somebody…do what you do kid.
Acie, everytime you are in the game penetrate and shoot or penetrate and dish…you are great at this.
These are simple things that we all can see….the fact that Woody cannot means he needs to go.
Personally I think BK has put together some good talent. If we can get rid of Salim, Solo,and ZAZa and pick up some quality bigs, we’ll be more competitive next year.
By dbrown3527
April 24, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
B-Man what is your reasoning for getting rid of of Solo? In two years what has Woody let him do to prove that he should go or stay?
By MVP Kobe Bryant
April 24, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Go ahead and beat up on those pitiful Hawks.
LA will DESTROY boston!!
By SWEEP
April 24, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
Hey Bibby at least we have a bandwagon to jump on! The Hawks never had one! Every time I’ve seen the Celtics play the Hawks in Atlanta only close friends and family were in the stands. Sports don’t matter in Atlanta unless it’s college sports or NASCAR
By joe
April 24, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
There were over 16,000 fans at the game Bibby alluded to last year at the Garden. 2,000 short of a sell-out. 16k plus fans during an absolute dismal year for the Celtics…during an absolute dismal number of years for the Celtics at a time with no end in sight.
By Terry Stots
April 24, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse…
Suckers.
By B-Man
April 24, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
dbrown- its a valid point, he hasn’t had the opportunity to prove himself. When he’s out there, he seems very lost on the defensive end, the pick and roll kills him. Trust me I’ve paid attention because this team needed nothing more than for him to be a stud. I think the game is just a little too fast for him.
But, you’re right, of the 3 I listed, I’d keep Solo over Zaza and Salim. If Nique was the human highlight film, they are the human turnovers.
By Steve Smith
April 24, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
What do you expect from a franchise that traded ME??!!
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY!!!
By hawksfanatic
April 24, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Isn’t it about time Esteban Batista stepped up?
He’s been practically invisible the entire series!
By jts in dallas
April 24, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
I really tried to stay out of this fray, but I just had blog. It does not matter that Chris Paul was not selected. If he had been, he would probably be deep down on Woody’s bench, barely every getting a chance to perform. Also, our stand around and watch Joe Johnson go one on however many offense is not suited to any point guard.
What we really need is an NBA type offense that addresses the abilities of each player. With a game plan designed around the talents of the players, Marvin could be a great player. I think that the emphasis on player development is just not there. O.K. There, I said it.
See ya!!
By adoody76
April 24, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Last year the Celtics had the worst record in the league and averaged 16,900. Last year, with a much better record than the Celtics, the Atlanta Hawks averaged 15,594.
I just don’t get what he’s saying. I remember Brave playoff games that weren’t even sold out. I don’t want to trash Atlanta fans, because like us, they just want to watch a good product and when it’s not there, its tougher to sit there for 3 hours and watch your team lose. That being said, the Boston fans DID sit there for 3 hours and watch them lose. I probably watched 40 games in their entirety last year despite how bad they were, and have many friends who did the same. Is it more raucous now that they are winning? Obviously. And it would be for you too.
By Al
April 24, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
Many thanks to Steven Lefkoff for cementing Atlanta’s status as the worst sports city in the United States.
By Ted Turner
April 24, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Has the team always been this bad?
Ah, but I do love scotch.
Scotchy scotch scotch.
By Kelvin
April 24, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
ANOTHER BEANTOWN BLOWOUT
First of all the Hawks shouldn’t even be in the playoffs. A team with a losing record who only got in because they are playing in a weak conference is not a playoff team. It was an accomplishment to have made the playoffs in the West; it is a shame not to have made it in the East. I can hardly watch Chris Paul and Deron Williams play. They are already this early in their careers two of the best point guards in the league. But we took Marvin Williams, to play a position that was not a need over one of two point guards that could have filled that position for the next twelve years. Not only that, but what Marvin is giving us, you can give from fifty other players in the league. The Spirit Group and the GM make it hard to be a Hawks fan.
By The Answer
April 24, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Tyronn Lue can’t even help the playoff team he’s already playing with!
By dbrown3527
April 24, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
B-man I don’t think it’s fair to judge a guy on garbage minutes. Woody has retarded the growth of every player that hasn’t been groomed with at least 2 years college experience. On top of that we’ve played 84 games and Woody may have been the only coach in the entire league that didn’t shake up the starting line up when a starter was having issues; we had to many DNP this year.
If any body needs a reason why plays need at least 2 yrs of college look at the Hawks. Josh Smith, Solomon Jones and Marvin Williams were all drafted on potential.
By bsimm
April 24, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
The Hawks need a few more Vets on the squad. I like the current mix of players with there athlteticism but thy virtually have 3 players in the same mold. Childress, Smith and Williams. Keep two get rid of one for a low post presence. So far in the series Boston has been running a lay-up drill. Joe Johnson must assert himself and for pete sake Bibby make something happen. The only chance the Hawks have is in game three, hopefully the Celtics will take a quarter or two off.
By Kelvin
April 24, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
dbrown,
I have been saying the same thing myself. Two years minimum before coming into the NBA. I wouldn’t even mind three like in the NFL. Too many players are coming in from one year of college and are not offering very much. Josh Smith and Marvin Williams are prime examples of two players who needed more experience before entering the NBA.
By GeorgiaYankeesFan
April 24, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Enough with the “this is good enough” “remember where we were” last year nonsense. It would have been better to get into the draft lottery one more time than to have this team get smoked in playoffs. This is not anything to be proud of and shows how weak the Eastern Conference is. Obviously, the Celtics are a much better team but the Hawks should be playing a whole lot smarter on the court and off. If anyone for a second thinks that this butt kicking is somehow a great learning experience - you are nuts. This is just one more indication that this team of virtually all the same type player is ill-suited to make any sort of playoff run next year or the years to come. To make it through the playoffs, a team needs heart and toughness. Here is what needs to take place: 1. Bye bye Billy Knight. Great team you put together Billy, they might give you a couple of “highlights” every season but this team simply cannot compete in playoffs. No good role players or veterans to lead. Billy you built this mess, it is clear there is no hope of it working, time for you to be moved out of player personnel role. Oh one more thing - how in the world is Chris Paul NOT a Hawk right now, that is all on you Billy 2. Bye bye Woodson - Coach I know you didn’t construct the team but far too often I saw no intensity on court this season. In playoffs I’m seeing too few passes (half of these are terrible) and ill-advised shots. How do you let Bibby act like an idiot like this? Ridiculous. 3. Roster Changes - Somehow, some way this team has to get more size from somewhere. We have a point guard (i think) and Horford is a great talent who really should be playing power fwd. Now we somehow must land some sizeable front court guys who love to rebound. And we need a veteran presence on this team to guide whatever young players remain. 4. Get on the phone and beg Kiki Vandeweghe to run the organization. The best bet is to get a great basketball man in here to pull the levers - that would be Kiki Vandeweghe - would he come here with this ownership mess - probably not but it is worth a try. 5. And if Isiah Thomas sends his resume for any position please shred it.
By stan
April 24, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
Here’s a microcosm of the Hawks problem. Down 14 with only a bit of time left and the resuly obviously over, Bibby is shown giggling on the bench in a towel. Can you imagine Garnett giggling during a loss? I thought veteran players were supposed to help a young squad…
By Pete Babcock
April 24, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
If I was still there, I would FIRE MIKE WOODSON and I would FIRE BILLY KNIGHT.
If I was still there, I would FIRE MIKE WOODSON and I would FIRE BILLY KNIGHT.
If I was still there, I would FIRE MIKE WOODSON and I would FIRE BILLY KNIGHT.
By JN
April 24, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
I’m a Hawks Fan, but I still feel justified in saying that Bibby is a non-talented moron. Sure he makes baskets every now and then but so what? This is yet another bad decision made by management.
By B-Man
April 24, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
GeorgiaYankeeFan, despite you being a yankee fan I will give you credit…
You’re right to a degree and I agree with almost everything you said but I still believe this is the most naturally talented team we’ve had in a long, long time. As the young guys get older, it could be the most talented team.
But you’re right about Woody and the GLARING NEED for some big men.
dbrown…I think where I was coming from with Solo is, that was a roster spot that could have been used to pick up a big like PJ Brown, Dale Davis (not necessarily one of those two but someone from the same mold.)
By DarkRyder
April 24, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Hmmmm, I came here to look for analysis from the regulars on Sekou’s blog (Najeh, Astro Joe, richbrave, HB Ando) the ones who actually bring intelligent analysis…
….instead I get a bunch of whiny brats who jump on and off the Hawks bandwagon due to an expected loss….
….oh well, i’ll go back to Sekou’s blog where I can talk to intelligent people who see the big picture about this franchise…. i’ll probably find them there, a real blog and not this Bradley garbage.
By dbrown3527
April 24, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
B-man I hear you, but I think Billy was thinking that this team with the addition of Bibby could move mountains. I have a bad feeling that next year will be a rebuilding year! For starters Bibby is gonna be out of hear like Mr. Manning.
By Sad Brother
April 24, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
Just another brotha mouthing off with no substance. What office is Bibby running fo?
By GABred
April 24, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
We are a young talented team, which describes every NBA roster (minus the young for some). What separates the elite from bottom dwellers is execution on both ends of the court. Whether its sets or a philosophy, execution is the key. Freelancing may get you in the highlights but not any championship rings. I was always told, during a battle never fear the talkers. Its hard to support them to. Let’s act as if we’ve played this game before, being in the playoffs for sake of being there is nothing to celebrate, should be in it to win regardless of the odds.
By Cherie
April 24, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
As a fan of Mike’s since Arizona, I offer this:
Mike’s well known to not let things go, especially when it’s opposing teams fans. In the days of the rivslry of the Kings-Lakers opposing fans would taunt him, he’d talk back. Shaq called the Kings “Sacramento Queens”, Mike’s the first one to answer back(or stand up depending on spin control). Am I surprised that he’s now taking on Perkins and the fans of Boston? No
Right now as much as he’s stinking it up, he will have a good game. He’s not one to have a bad series. Everyone may remember the Lakers but be’s struggled in series against Mavericks, Sonics, and Garnett’s former team the T-Wolves.